Will This Be the Turning Point Assam Has Waited For in Zubeen’s Case?

Assam woke up to a bittersweet morning on Tuesday as the state observed the 53rd birth anniversary of music icon Zubeen Garg, a day heavy with memories, tributes and collective longing. Even as artists, fans and family celebrated his life, a significant legal breakthrough emerged in the long-pending investigation into his mysterious death in Singapore.

In a major development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah granted the mandatory sanction under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), allowing Indian authorities to proceed legally against the accused persons. The provision requires prior approval from the Central Government before prosecuting offences committed outside the country. With this sanction now in place, investigators can formally file the chargesheet and move towards trial—something officials say will be completed before December 10, 2025.

This legal progress brought a sense of hope to thousands who gathered across Assam to honour the artist’s legacy.

Today marks the 53rd birthday of our beloved Zubeen Garg — a day that reminds us of his music, his voice, and his irreplaceable place in Assam’s heart.

On this very day, the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sri @AmitShah Ji has granted the required sanction under Section 208 of the…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 18, 2025

At the Guwahati Press Club, emotions ran high as an eight-year-old unreleased song sung by Zubeen was finally made public. The track, initially recorded for a mega-serial that never aired, had remained buried in time. It was released by Dipika Choudhury, Inspector of Schools for Kamrup (M) and Deputy Director of Secondary Education, actor Chandana Sarma, and filmmaker Achinta Shankar, while actor Nirav Mon Sharma unveiled its audio-visual version. The hall filled with quiet nostalgia as Zubeen’s voice played—raw, familiar, and heartbreakingly fresh.

In Guwahati, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organised a large human chain in front of Shaheed Nyas, demanding justice and transparency in the investigation. The demonstration formed part of AASU’s three-day programme marking the birth anniversary. Across the city, symbolic humanitarian gestures reflected the singer’s compassionate spirit—some distributed food, others offered water or tea, and many simply stood silently in remembrance.

Zubeen’s influence travelled far beyond Assam. In New York’s Times Square, Assamese performer Kangkana Goswami, now based in Philadelphia, presented a Bihu dance at the “Saree Goes Global” event in partnership with the Consulate General of India. A special tribute to Zubeen Garg at the programme drew warm applause from the international audience, reaffirming the artist’s global resonance.

Meanwhile in Guwahati, Zubeen’s Kahilipara residence saw emotional scenes as Bollywood musicians Jeet Gannguli and Neeraj Shridhar, long-time collaborators and close friends, visited to pay their respects.

“Zubeen loved Assam deeply. He will always remain here,” Jeet Gannguli said, adding that the last Bengali song recorded by Zubeen—just three months before his death—would soon be released. He recalled Zubeen’s dream of seeing young Assamese singers record in his new studio.

Neeraj Shridhar, visibly moved, said, “It feels like I have lost a part of my body. He was a divine gift. Yes, I scolded him many times like an elder brother—but he always lived life on his own terms.”

For the family, the day was especially difficult. His sister Palmee Borthakur said they had always celebrated the day together.
“Last year, we were at Jonali Studio. This year feels empty,” she said. She also mentioned that her sister-in-law, and Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, is experiencing some health discomfort and has been advised to take rest. “We remain hopeful that Zubeen will get justice.”

It is to be noted that from legal progress to emotional cultural observances, Assam paid tribute to Zubeen Garg’s enduring legacy, reaffirming his irreplaceable place in the state’s cultural and emotional identity.

Also Read: Assam Remembers Zubeen Garg on His First Heavenly Birthday: Flood of Emotional Tributes from Family and Artists